Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
SDB
Ankililoaka (Agenzia Fides) - The town of Ankililoaka, in the Archdiocese of Toliara, is located in the south-west of Madagascar, one of the poorest countries in the world, where 75% of the population lives in slums. To face the numerous emergencies, more than forty years ago a community of Salesians, at the invitation of the local diocese, began to promote education, evangelization, development and professional training to accompany young people in vulnerable situations.
"An important point of reference for the young people of the area, since our arrival in 1981, has always been the oratory, an open but protected place where children and young people learn the true meaning of friendship, respect, solidarity and responsibility. A space where they can grow, play and pray, in the small church that is the heart of this oratory, which is attended by 800 young people accompanied by 35 animators," said to Fides the current Bishop Rosario Vella, S.D.B. of Moramanga, a recently founded diocese, who was parish priest in Ankililoaka from 1982 to 1995.
The average age of 60% of the Malagasy population is 20 years. The missionaries' goal is to offer each of these young people future prospects within a structured and solid framework, through educational programs that respond to the skills and needs of Malagasy society and encourage young people to reflect and seek their own autonomy.
Homeless families crowd the streets of Madagascar's suburbs, improvising shelters made of cardboard or plastic; others live in wooden huts that can catch fire, especially in the dry season. Many minors live in groups on the streets, trying to make ends meet with odd jobs or stealing food.
For the local population, the Salesians of Don Bosco are a daily point of reference, defending their rights and giving them opportunities for development. For this reason, the missionaries want to continue to offer the best possible accompaniment to young people, just as their founder would have done. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 5/6/2024)
